Category: Bands

The Garden City Big Band was formed in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1992 by the late, great Stu Buchanan with the aim of promoting and performing the old and new styles of Big Band music.

Not only is the band recognised as the finest of its kind in the region, but also for featuring some of the best musicians in its line-up.

The band plays a variety of well known and popular music from Rock ‘n Roll to Swing and it reflects the very best of the Big Band greats such as Harry Connick Jr, Glenn Miller and Count Basie.

Music at its very best for dancing, listening, or pure entertainment.

The Band with Style

Professionalism and experience make the Garden City Big Band special. So whatever the occasion, they can tailor an entertainment package to suit weddings, conferences, balls and parties. The band is also ideal as a backing group, show band or as a feature at a theme event.

The band can also provide small groups for lighter dining or background music. Whether you want the music of yesteryear or today; soft or full-on, the Garden City Big Band will have the program.

Kevin Frewer

Commenced his musical career at the age of 15 playing at nightclubs in Christchurch. Played keyboards in Craig Scott’s band before joining North Island recording band Tom Thumb under the guidance of legendary producer Peter Dawkins. Returned to Christchurch and joined pub band Fifth Edition. Later in the 70s performed as a duo with the late and great Stu Buchanan and then various solo gigs in restaurants and the like. Sings and plays keyboards at the Canterbury A&P show every year and now looks forward to hooking up with daughter Celine as a duo, or plus Rodger as a trio.

Celine Graham

As a 21 year old she started working on original music in Christchurch. After a move to Queenstown her interest turned to dance music when she started singing over tech house dance tracks in various nightclubs. This allowed her to be discovered by Dutch DJ/Producer Lucien Foort when he was touring NZ. In 2002 Dutch label Black Hole Recordings then signed her and she recorded tracks in Holland with one of them Colour My Eyes used as the opening track on Tiesto’s (voted the greatest DJ of all time) In Search of Sunrise 5, Los Angeles mix album. She then had Dutch producer Mark Norman use her vocals to release more dance tracks. Recently, she is a member of Christchurch band Paper Creatures who released an album Discarded & Found in 2008.

Rodger Hanson

First started playing in dance bands in the mid 60s on guitar, bass guitar and trombone at various stages. Played in pub bands in the 70s in many Christchurch venues. In the 80s did most of his work as a session player and also backed many artists the like of Billy T James, Eddie Low, Ray Columbus, Frankie Stevens, Yandall Sisters and Rob Guest. Played for many years as bass player for the corporate band Affirmation and continued up until recent years as guitarist, bassist and leader for Solpak which has now disbanded.

Mezzanine is a 4 piece covers band playing everything from early rock & roll through to modern rock and pop.

With plenty of experience playing in various bands in both New Zealand and Europe Mezzanine will always deliver a tight, entertaining performance.

Top quality sound equipment means we are able to cater for any sized bar and of course private events, whether it be a wedding, corporate function or birthday bash.

D’Sendantz is a 3 piece band consisting of bass, drums & guitar. These boys are best known for their unique style and the best vocal harmonies this side of Boyz 2 Men. With a combination of covers and originals D’Sendantz have a large following in Christchurch and will always have the dance floor packed.

Recent highlights for the boys was performing at the Rugby Wold Cup Fan Zones, New Year’s Eve in Hagley Park and most recently Sea Fest in Kaikoura.

Hi John

“D’Sendantz was great as usual and everyone always enjoys them!”

We all had a great time!

Have a good Christmas

Regards
Sue Lee 
PaknSave Hornby

End Game is a 4-piece covers band, who can do your old school favourites but also like to do things a bit different. They get on like a house on fire, and that great energy will transfer to your crowd, for a fun night!  With two guitars giving a great full sound, plus male and female vocals, they can cover a wide variety of genres with means they’re guaranteed to have something for everyone.

About the band members:

Shelley (lead vocals) has been in various duos in the past, and then switched to live bands over the last 6-7 years to pursue her love of the live sounds and a bit more rock. A choral background in her school years gives her good control, while the years in duos and bands means versatility in style, with a little bit of growl when needed.

BJ is a very experienced bassist with a long history in the local band scene. A fantastic asset to the rhythm section, he likes to add a little flare here and there.  He also does the majority of backing vocals for the band, along with a few leads to break it up a bit.

On lead guitar, Chris won’t fail to entertain you with melodic rhythm and lead, and soaring guitar solos.  Influences: Metallica, Iron Maiden, Joe Satriani, Carlos Santana.

Drummer Cat Wall adds energy to the rock numbers and tasteful groove-laden beats where it’s due, to the pop and dance pop numbers.

What clients say

Hi Shelley,
Thanks so much for coming in to play at our function, … I’ve heard great things from those who did attend we will definitely keep you in mind for future events.
– Becky : Opus

The Flat City Brotherhood, Christchurch’s coolest cover band to date, have been busy carving out their path on the busy local covers circuit since mid 2014. To date, the band have been sought after for gigs in and outside of the Canterbury region, and winning over audiences with their unique acoustic touch to even the hardest of rock songs in their setlist. From Elvis to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, rarely heard but always remembered rock classics, country, reggae and funk, Flat City Brotherhood can play it all and are a force to be reckoned with. And by the way, they can play as an electric rock band too so it’s like having two bands in one with these boys!

Many bands end up covering the same songs as their peers. The F.C.B. try to steer clear of the standards and aim for the music that their audience hasn’t been used to hearing week in, week out. They have a wide and diverse range of material to draw from so that every show is tailored to the age range of the crowd, and every show is different. And for occasions such as wedding, the band will learn any song the bride and groom wish to hear. It’s just another thing the Flat City Brotherhood do to keep their listeners happy.

So from corporate functions, to weddings, clubs, pubs, festivals and more, Flat City Brotherhood have proven they can fit the bill for any occasion. Professional and punctual, they are THE trio to book. Check them out!

 

The Band

Brian Clarke – Vocals & Lead Guitar

Phil Robinson – Vocals, Drums & Percussion

Brent Cain – Vocals & Bass Guitar

The Meaniez are three lively guys who are experienced musicians and entertainers. They sound great, are thoroughly professional and maybe just a little silly.

The Meaniez have an impressive repertoire of classic songs ranging right across the musical spectrum. They can deliver everything from popular easy listening melodies to full-on up-tempo rock standards. From relaxed to ragey. From retro to recent. They have a reputation for energetic live performances and are a totally live band with three strong lead vocalists and the traditional guitar/bass/drums line-up. No computers, nothing plastic or pre-recorded – just good honest real live classic rock.

The Meaniez have an excellent work ethic, an extensive and successful history in the entertainment industry and perhaps most importantly, an obvious delight in performing. Their versatile repertoire appeals to a diverse range of audiences – young and not so young.

To provide your wedding, conference, hotel or private function with that extra ingredient, choose The Meaniez for quality live entertainment that is professional, personable and competitively priced. Extremely well received wherever they play, The Meaniez unique brand of musical excitement and appealing personalities will ensure that your function is a success.

The Dealers are a very professional live five piece Christchurch band who play music from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and beyond.

A strong point of the group which comprises keyboards, guitar, bass and drums is it’s harmonies and particulary the vocal ability of its lead female singer and all members of the band who also sing.

Each member of The Dealers brings a wealth of musical knowledge, versatility, individual talent and experience which blends together to create a musical atmosphere which will entertain, cater for and appeal to all age groups and musical tastes and will ensure that your function will be a successful and enjoyable event.

Altogether – a great deal from The Dealers.